Horse Shoe Layout
Difficulty: Easy
The Horse Shoe is a classic layout. It is more advanced than the three-domino reading, yet simpler than most other layouts. It is a versatile method that can be used for most queries, though there are other layouts which would go into more depth. Like the simple Past, Present, and Future layout, it contains these dominoes in positions #1, #2, and #7, but also has four other dominoes that help the reader understand how to deal with the future better. The dominoes are to be read as follows:
- The Past: Past events affecting the question.
- The Present: The current state or approaching influence.
- Hidden Influences: Things the reader may not be aware of (or barely be aware of).
- Obstacles: This is the challenge: obstacles may be avoided or may have to be dealt with.
- External Influences: Attitudes and thoughts regarding people around the reader.
- Suggestions: Recommended course of action.
- Outcome: The result of following the suggestions.
Your Horse Shoe Reading
Obstacle![]() Two/Three (RA/PA): The Demon of Death |
||
Hidden Influences![]() Four/Five (NA/TSA): The Scattered Mountain of Sand |
External Influences![]() One/Four (DHI/NA): The Golden Wheel |
|
The Present![]() Six/Six (AH/AH): The Stainless Sky |
Suggestion![]() Five/Two (TSA/RA): The Great Fiery Weapon |
|
The Past![]() Four/Four (NA/NA): The Mansion of Gold |
The Outcome![]() Three/Three (PA/PA): The Ocean of Nectar |

The Past represents past events that are affecting the question.
Four/Four (NA/NA): The Mansion of Gold
Placing One Great Thing upon Another Great Thing
This is an extraordinarily favourable sign of prosperity and abundance. Wealth and resources will flow into your life, and your projects will meet with success. This period is ripe for rituals involving earth energies and wealth creation, such as the construction of stupas, shrines, or offerings of gratitude. The abundance you experience will extend to your material world, but be cautious: any efforts focused on destruction or negative energy will not yield favourable outcomes. Additionally, be prepared for delays in travel or the shifting of plans; patience is key, as the universe works in its own timing.

The Present represents the current state or immediately approaching influence.
Six/Six (AH/AH): The Stainless Sky
The Giving of Fearlessness
The 'Stainless Sky' suggests a need for mental clarity and purity. Now is the time to listen to the subtle guidance of the spirits of the air, as their messages will bring valuable insight. Cleanse your mind of impure thoughts and focus on cultivating peace and balance. Small offerings of gratitude will help preserve your wealth and relationships. This sign is generally neutral, but it highlights the importance of maintaining purity and alignment with spiritual forces.

Hidden Influences - Things that you may not be aware of, or barely be aware of.
Four/Five (NA/TSA): The Scattered Mountain of Sand
Dwindling the Mountain to Dust
This pairing signals that your pursuits are in danger of falling apart. Hopes and dreams may feel as if they are being blown away by the wind, leaving you feeling lost. Now is the time to step back and examine where things went wrong. Perform suppression or burial rituals to cleanse yourself of negative influences, as well as peaceful fire rituals to burn away any lingering bad energy. You may also want to consider making amends with those who have wronged you, as your enemies are currently working against you. Retracing your steps will offer clarity and guide you towards healing.

Obstacle - This is the challenge.
Two/Three (RA/PA): The Demon of Death
Activity that Achieves Destruction
At this moment, it may be best to delay your pursuits. Pressing forward now will likely lead to setbacks and obstacles that could hinder your progress. This may seem like a negative sign, but it offers you an important opportunity for re-evaluation. Take time to adjust your approach, refine your strategies, and plan for the future. You'll find success later, but only after taking the time to reconsider your methods and eliminate the barriers in your way.

External Influences - Attitudes about this situation from people around the querent.
One/Four (DHI/NA): The Golden Wheel
Climbing upon a Throne
A period of prosperity is on the horizon. Like inheriting a fortune, you will experience wealth and success. Your long-term efforts will be rewarded, and your future is filled with promise. You will attract new friends, and even your enemies will come under your influence. For those who are sick, recovery is likely, as their troubles stem from divine displeasure.

Suggestion - The recommended course of action.
Five/Two (TSA/RA): The Great Fiery Weapon
Subduing All Others by being Endowed
This sign is indicative of inner strength and the potential for triumph over your adversaries. There is power in destruction at this moment, so if you must confront enemies or challenges, do so with confidence. Your actions will meet with success, but it will come at a cost. Continually honour your spiritual protectors and engage in rituals to strengthen your defences. Be aware that activities involving earth and water may encounter difficulties during this time.

The Outcome - What will happen if the suggestion is followed.
Three/Three (PA/PA): The Ocean of Nectar
The Washing that Cleanses
This sign represents wealth and prosperity flowing towards you, like a river feeding into the ocean. Success in ventures related to water is highlighted, particularly those that involve fluidity, change, or travel. However, be cautious with pursuits related to marriage or rituals involving fire, as they may not meet with the same level of success. Prosperity is assured, but it is important to prioritise the right areas of focus for maximum benefit.